Your London and Surrey Wedding news and ideas from around the capital

London's Ellen Kensington has officially opened its doors

Ellen Kensington, a boutique hotel in the heart of Kensington, is excited to announce that it will officially open in September! The property comprises 105 thoughtfully designed guestrooms across five interconnected Victorianperiod townhouses. More than half of the rooms overlook the historic Barkston Gardens, while the interiors feature a juxtaposition of classic English design with subtle Chinoiserie touches. Several original features have been carefully restored through refurbishment, including period bannisters, wrought iron gate rails, and the reinstatement of the property's iconic high ceilings and bay box sash windows. There's a curated range of beautiful bedrooms, from single rooms for solo travellers to a luxurious top suite, with top-end amenities, rain showers and thoughtful touches, including anti-fog heated bathroom mirrors.

Discover Ett Hem London's new wedding collection

British faux flower platform Ett Hem London launches The Wedding Collection, a curated range of elevated bouquets designed for the modern bride. With a vision to offer sustainable and everlasting beauty, the collection comprises seven bespoke concepts consisting of the brand's most popular blooms in ivory, cream and white. The arrangements ensure that brides can access their favourite flowers, regardless of season, becoming an eternal keepsake. Each bouquet is named after an inspiring woman within the Ett Hem London community; among these is The Kate, in honour of Halfpenny London's founder, designed to complement the brand's elegant bridalwear perfectly. In addition to the range of bouquets, the collection includes a series of large-scale floral installations.

The ultimate gifting experience your friends, family - and you - will love

In today's busy world, it's not always possible to be there for every birthday, housewarming, or special occasion, but that doesn't mean you can't send a heartfelt message. That's where gift box specialist, Parcel London, comes in. Parcel London is here to offer the ultimate gifting experience - believing that the best gifts are about more than just the item – they're about the connection they represent. They're there for when you can't be. Working with a number of well-known and newly emerging independent brands, Parcel London connects you to the people who matter most through beautiful, useful, and memorable gifts. Every one of their Parcels is lovingly handpicked and carefully hand-wrapped, ensuring that each recipient feels cherished and valued. Whether you need a single gift for a special someone or thousands for a corporate event, they've got you covered

Don't miss out on Back to The Future The Musical Afternoon Tea in London

Sound Cafe at The Cumberland Hotel is taking diners on a trip to Hill Valley as it launches its brand-new Back to The Future The Musical Afternoon Tea. The launch nods to the anniversary of the premiere of the original Back to The Future film on 3rd July 1985 and follows the soaring West End success of Back to The Future The Musical. The afternoon tea will feature mini delights designed to indulge the senses with a world of flavours. The ride begins being transported back in time to indulge in Mcfly's Slider Burger and Mayor Goldie Wilson's Hot Dog before being grounded back in the present with the DeLorean Pulled Pork Burrito, E=MC2 Mac and Cheese Toastie and Marty's Crispy Shrimp Tortilla with slaw and spicy citrus sauce, before retaking fl ight into the future for Doc's Brownies, Biff's Apple Cobbler and George's Fruit Macarons.

Check out the new pieces from Crown Love

British luxury accessory brand Crown Love has added new pieces to its collection, which is proudly designed and made in London. The line features distinctive headbands that cater to every style, from the Regency era charm of floral designs to sleek, minimalist monochrome looks. Standout pieces include intricately embroidered fl oral headbands, perfect for garden parties, and the luxurious velvet brown bow headband, offering a timeless touch of sophistication. Each piece is meticulously crafted, embodying both classic allure and modern refinement. Explore the collection: www.crown-love.com

Margaret Dabbs® London opens new London store

Margaret Dabbs® London, a leading British beauty brand synonymous with high-quality luxury treatments and products in the world of wellness, has opened a new clinic on King's Road Clinic, Chelsea. This marks its seventh location in the capital and fourteenth internationally. It's the perfect setting to get wedding ready with help from the experts. The new 824 sq. ft clinic is situated at 325 King's Road, a prominent corner unit in the heart of Chelsea. It will continue to deliver its unique blend of comprehensive and unrivalled clinic treatments, such as its signature Medical Pedicure and Custom Orthotics treatment and award-winning products available for purchasing.

Discover Laduré new London store in Covent Garden

Iconic French pâtisserie brand Ladurée, renowned for its macarons and timeless elegance, has announced the new opening of a brand-new space in London's Covent Garden, above the flagship store, which overlooks the famous piazza. Set to be the market's best-kept secret, the beautiful space will allow guests to enjoy haute French cuisine in a stunning Versailles-inspired setting. In addition to the signature patisserie, macarons and afternoon tea offerings, the space will also serve as a dining room, showcasing a gastronomy style inspired by Paris with accents of London. This new space, a testament to Laduré e's design vision, draws inspiration from Versailles' Hall of Mirrors and the classic features of English manor houses.

Seasonal style

As seasons change, it's important to be aware of how the weather affects the wedding. Editorial Assistant Millicent Garton takes you through some suggestions of how to embrace the chill and celebrate the sun. Much like seasons, it's only natural that weddings and their themes flow and evolve with changing year. From the cake and catering to the dress and décor, all elements of the big day can be influenced by the time of year, so it's only fitting that special attention should be given to those minor details.

Make sure your wedding day is protected! 

When you're planning a wedding, getting insured is important to protect yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day and make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible. Weddings can be a pricey affair, with the average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 coming in at around £20,755. Knowing the total cost of your wedding and how much you're spending on each element of your big day is crucial before choosing your insurance policy. Identifying any big-ticket expenses that you'll want covered should anything go wrong, such as venues, caterers, photographers, or dresses is also key. This can also help you decide if standard insurance policies will be enough or if you'll need something more specific or customised.

Find your big-day musicians at Ascot Racecourse

Gwenllian is an acclaimed and established Wedding harpist, ready to accommodate all your musical needs for your special day. From performances at the National Portrait Gallery to St David's Hall, Cardiff and the Barbican, London, she has toured the East Coast of America with concerts in New York and Boston. She has recorded at Abbey Road Studios and her work has been performed and recorded by Ensemble Cymru. Gwenllian is an award-winning and experienced harpist in demand for luxury events for distinguished venues such as Saddler's Hall, Vintner's Hall and Loseley Park. She is passionate about creating bespoke musical arrangements to add that personal touch to your wedding day.

With an exclusive discount for this event only, come and meet her at the Ascot Racecourse Signature Wedding Show.

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Discover this luxury romantic venue at Ascot Racecourse

Based in Sunninghill, Ascot, the team from Royal Berkshire will be on hand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 27th October. 'Romantic, quiet luxury and homely. Royal Berkshire is the perfect place to marry and celebrate exclusively. This winter, we're offering special rates for weddings taking place from January – end of March 2025. Why not have a chat with us at the wedding show on the 27th of October to find out more? We can't wait to meet you!'

Plan your stag and hen do (or sten do) with County Wedding events

Dorset-based adventure company, Land & Wave, is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October, and Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 27th October. Visit Tilly at the Land & Wave stand to find out about magical Hen, Stag and 'Sten' Do's in the woods. Perfect for adventurous, outdoorsy couples looking for unique experiences to share with friends. Show Offer: Pay your deposit at the show and the Stag/Hen goes FREE!

Find those finishing touches with Harper Rose at Ascot Racecourse

Berkshire-based Harper Rose Events is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 27th October. "Delivering Stationery, Signage and Props for your event or wedding. At Harper Rose we offer not only the props, backdrops and frames for hire but also bespoke, personalised signs for hire too!," shares designer Lydia. "Meaning you don't have to pay the full purchase price for a bespoke sign and worry about where you are going to keep it afterwards. "Allow us to take your inspiration and bring it to life for your occasions, helping you design and create all the elegant touches to your event or wedding day! Come & see us for your chance to win your wedding signage for free!"

Show discount from Lavish Decorative Events

London-based, Lavish Decorative Events, will be on hand at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October to talk about all of your venue styling needs. What's more, the company is offer 20% discount for those who sign up to its services at the show. Decoration services including: Floral arrangements, Table settings, Lighting, Staging decorations, Centerpieces, Dessert tables, Love seat, Chair/table covers

20% offer for show attendees

Anjali Ghosalkar is a wedding designer and planner and the founder of Ashford-based Let Us Do It Ltd offering event design and management. You can meet Anjali at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Mercedes-Benz World and Ascot Racecourse this October! What's more, the company is offering 20% discount on all services booked at the show - be sure to pop along and say hi

Marisska Couture exhibiting at Ascot Racecourse's Signature Wedding Show

Marisska Couture is exhibiting at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 27th October, 2024. "Welcome to Marisska Couture, where exquisite craftsmanship and personalised elegance come together. We specialise in bespoke women's couture, offering tailored garments that embody the essence of luxury. Whether you're selecting from our made-to-order collection or opting for a custom creation, each piece is meticulously crafted to perfection.

Discount on photography at Signature Wedding Shows

Berkshire-based Secu Photography is exhibiting at the Signature Wedding Show hosted by County Wedding Events at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October. What's more, couples looking for big-day photography will also benefit from a 10% wedding show discount that photography Anna, of Secu Photography, is running on the day for people that would like to book her services - so be sure to pop along.

Book your dream safari honeymoon at Bluewater this Sunday!

UBON Safari specializes in crafting unforgettable honeymoon experiences and luxury beach holidays across the breathtaking landscapes of Southern and Eastern Africa. Its tailor-made journeys take you to some of the continent's most romantic and awe-inspiring destinations, offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Start your honeymoon with a once-in-a-lifetime wedding blessing in the Serengeti, where the Maasai tribe will honour your union amidst the stunning backdrop of Africa's endless plains. As the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, you'll create memories that will last foreve

Make your wedding day truly bespoke with Personalise 365

Looking for something unique and different for your wedding table decor? Surrey-based Personalise365, is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World and may have just the thing you're looking for. Making a variety of personalised engraved guest place names that double up as wedding favours, the company can also create guest books that can be engraved with any wording of your choice.